Watch: Ahmedabad Rath Yatra turns tense as male elephant runs amok; Female elephants brought in to calm him down

An elephant from the famous 18-elephant Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad created panic on Friday morning when it suddenly went out of control near Desai Ni Pol in Khadia.

According to RK Sahu, Superintendent of the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, the elephant was the only male among the 18 in the procession. “It got agitated and started running off the main route,” he said.



As per safety rules, a tranquiliser was quickly given, and two female elephants were used to calm and guide the male elephant away from the crowd.

Thankfully, no one was hurt. Although people nearby were frightened, the situation was handled calmly and brought under control.

Officials said the male elephant will be kept separate and won’t return to the procession. The rest of the elephants, all female, are continuing the Rath Yatra route safely.

The Rath Yatra is one of Ahmedabad’s biggest religious festivals and attracts large crowds every year. Authorities make special arrangements for the event, including managing the animals and ensuring public safety.

Inputs from TOI